Hello everyone :wave:. New guy alert here!!!!!
I'm looking to put a fastfire III on my SBE II.
I started off getting a fastfire III (8moa) with the picatinny mount and put a weaver 93a mounting rail on the receiver. I had to send back the sight to optics planet a few days ago because the mounting thread holes that hold the sight to the mount weren't threaded (one was/one wasn't).
While I am waiting to get a new sight I feel that there are better mounting options according to some here. After reading as many threads as I can on the subject here it seems the best and more permanent way to mount the fastfire III is with no rail, but rather just the fastfire III 336 marlin mount right to the receiver?
I've always been the impatient type, so I've already ordered the Burris 336 mount.
Just for backup I've also ordered a weaver multi slot top rail to replace the weaver 93a if I use a rail at all. I just didn't really like how the only options using the 93a was to have the sight all the way to the rear or all the way to the front.
So now that I have really 3 mounting options available when the sight gets here I would love to here some opinions on the best mounting option. :help:
The Burris 336 mount for the FF series is the cleanest, simplest, lowest mount available.
:welcomeOG: while I myself do not have a ff3 most of the threads I have read, many guys love their 336 mounts. With your 3 options you should find one that works. Good luck!
Quote from: gobblergls on June 08, 2013, 07:40:30 PM
The Burris 336 mount for the FF series is the cleanest, simplest, lowest mount available.
That's what I've been reading! I even like the fact that it will sit lower on the weapon. I might not need to update my cheek pad if it sits low enough, but will have to wait and see.
I know that those 3.5 heavy shot loads can pack a punch and hope this sight/mount combo can handle the recoil? Thanks for the info. :turkey:
Quote from: IowaGobblers on June 08, 2013, 07:44:16 PM
:welcomeOG: while I myself do not have a ff3 most of the threads I have read, many guys love their 336 mounts. With your 3 options you should find one that works. Good luck!
Thanks, this will be my first turkey gun with something other than the 2 beads on the barrel. At age 50 I think a red dot will be just the ticket. I just want to do my best to make sure the Fastfire gets mounted in the best way. I'm sure even a little thread locker on the mounting screws won't hurt either.
I would try Rob Roberts or Mann and Sons. Give them a call. Both are nice to deal with and can help you if you. Good luck. Mike
Quote from: Uvagobbler on June 09, 2013, 02:18:21 PM
I would try Rob Roberts or Mann and Sons. Give them a call. Both are nice to deal with and can help you if you. Good luck. Mike
Thanks, I don't have their #'s. Are they members here? I'm new to the forum here and I will see what I can find with the search filter. Thanks
I have a 336 mount. For strictly a "turkey gun" the 336 is the best option. If you plan on shooting more than turkeys take a look at the speed bead.
Thanks Onpoint. I looked into the speed bead option, but decided I would rather mount to the barrel/receiver instead. Even though I'm planning to use it strictly for turkeys who knows, maybe I'll want to run some smooth bore slugs down the barrel just to see what it does.
Rob Roberts custom guns- 870-251-9955
Mann and Son sporting goods- 618-357-2911
They should be able to help you. I am not sure if they are members of old gobbler but they should be able to help you with your questions. Mike
Mike, Thanks for the help. I've sent an email to Rob Roberts at Gobbler Guns about the 336 mounting option and just by looking at his website it looks like I will be sending him my barrel for a few things! Ron
I contacted Rob Roberts about drilling/tapping my SBE and the mounting options he uses. He recommends the Warner steel base option. I sent him another email asking if it was as clean and low as the Burris 336 mount and he never actually said if it was. Asked the question, on here, in a couple different threads and never got a response about the Warner option. If anyone has a picture or knows about this mounting system I would love to see it. I have been told that the 336 mount is hard to come by right now. Sumtoy said that they were having such a hard time finding the 336, that they were in the process of making there own.
Ridge Rooster
The Warne base will not be as low as the Marlin 336 mount. With the Warne you will still need to use the picatinny mount on the bottom of the sight which will raise it up.
There's no shortage on the Marlin 336 base btw. I have plenty of them in stock and ready to ship.
Sent you a PM BurrisOptics.
Thanks
Ridge Rooster
I think I will be sticking with the 336 mounting option. I received an email today that my 336 mount has shipped, so maybe they are back in stock. I know it's not 100% until it's at the door, but I think I'll see the mount in a couple days.
valimbhanger,
Where did you order your mount??
Thanks
Ridge Rooster
Quote from: Ridge Rooster on June 12, 2013, 10:34:42 AM
valimbhanger,
Where did you order your mount??
Thanks
Ridge Rooster
Optics Planet. I just checked tracking and it should be here Monday. That's good because they also shipped out today the replacement Fastfire III I had to return last week from mounting hole threads left out. I can't wait to dial it in!!
I am a little confused on what exactly I need to get a FF3 mounted to my SBE1. I am going to send it off to Rob Robertson for a Drill/Tap job, along with a trigger job while he has it, but I would like to use the Burris 336 mount instead of the Warne that he likes to use, because I was told the 336 mount is lower to the receiver. I would also like to use a Protector. Does the Protector actually mount to the 336 base, and the FF mount to the protector??
Would some one please clarify this for me so that I order the right thing. I looked on Optics Planet last night and noticed that there were several different options on the mounting plate, all kind of gun specific, but the one that was not stated that it is to be used with the picatinny mount?? I am confused and need some help!
Thanks
Ridge Rooster
I hope I'm setting my fast fire III up right? I've got the protector mount. It has the picatinny mount on it. I'm going to remove the picatinny mount and mount the protector mount right to the 336 marlin mount. I won't have the 336 mount until Monday so I don't know if this is the correct way yet.
Let us know valimbhanger! I am fixin to put one one my gun and would like to use the same things you are.
Thanks
Ridge Rooster
Will do! The 336 is due in this Monday and I'm sure I won't waste any time putting it on when I get home.
You will need some longer 8-40 screws to fasten it all together which i am having a hard time finding for mine
Do you have to drill more holes for the buriss 336 or will the factory holes work?
Quote from: Hayman on June 13, 2013, 06:05:37 PM
You will need some longer 8-40 screws to fasten it all together which i am having a hard time finding for mine
Gotcha. I'm heavy into archery, so I would bet I have what I need, but if I don't then it's off to Home Depot to have a look in the custom screw trays!!
Well, the 336 marlin mount showed up today. It isn't going to work on a benelli SBE II. The two mounting holes in the 336 do not line up with either set of mounting holes in the receiver. Talk about flushing $ down the toilet! Anyway, no biggy, I just went with option two. I installed the Weaver multi slot mount ( part # 48339) receiver mount and put the Burris Protector with the picatinny mount on it. My sight should be here first part of next week.
I don't mind using the multi slot rail for the protector and fastfire, but I might have to change the comb piece on my stock because the sight will sit up a little higher. I'll know for sure with some bench time next week.
valimbhanger,
Would you be able to have the 336 mount drilled to match your bolt pattern on the SBE receiver? Might be an option if you really wanted the mount to be as low as possible.
Ridge Rooster
RR, It looks like it could be done, but it would probably take out too much material at that area of the base to be considered a solid choice for a mounting option for me. I think the multi slot base by weaver sits almost as low and I'm not going to loose sleep thinking my mount is now week because I modified it.
I feel I would be removing the fastfire sight allot just to check and see if anything has moved.
So I guess it could be done to answer your question, but it wouldn't be for an option for me.
Quote from: Ridge Rooster on June 14, 2013, 08:09:08 PM
valimbhanger,
Would you be able to have the 336 mount drilled to match your bolt pattern on the SBE receiver? Might be an option if you really wanted the mount to be as low as possible.
Ridge Rooster
I'm having work done right now on my SBE II by Rob Roberts. He's going to use the Warne rear mount...I couldn't get a real clear answer on that particular mount as to whether it needs a picatinny type rail or whether the FF III sits right on the Warne base...I asked a couple of times but wasn't clear on that (might just be me).
When I get mine I'll try to post...
Rob Roberts answered some questions for me via email last week. He said they use the Warne mounts and the Fastfire will just about cover the entire base. That tells me he is probably using the rear piece on the 2 piece steel base setup (M894/870).
I hope you can post a pic. of that setup when you get it back!
Here's a link to Warne's website and of ther 2 pc. steel bases. If you look at the fit chart it shows the two bases available for the SBE II. http://warnescopemounts.com/product/maxima-steel-2-piece-bases/
Quote from: sixbird on June 15, 2013, 03:22:25 PM
I'm having work done right now on my SBE II by Rob Roberts. He's going to use the Warne rear mount...I couldn't get a real clear answer on that particular mount as to whether it needs a picatinny type rail or whether the FF III sits right on the Warne base...I asked a couple of times but wasn't clear on that (might just be me).
When I get mine I'll try to post...
Thanks Limbhanger...I looked at that after trying to understand how the FF III and the Warne base interface with each other. It looks to me like there's another piece needed between the two.
I even emailed a pic of what I thought that interface piece would look like but didn't get any real explanation...I'm sure they know what they're doing...They seemed very confident and they have a great reputation....I'll do my best to get a pic. when it comes back and post it...
The Weaver multi-slot + FF3 has worked well for me so far. The base is pretty flat, and allows the sight to be installed at many different distances...
mudhen
Quote from: Hayman on June 13, 2013, 06:05:37 PM
You will need some longer 8-40 screws to fasten it all together which i am having a hard time finding for mine
Call our customer service 888-228-7747 and they will send you the screws you need for this.
Well, turns out, according to Roberts, that my particular barrel/receiver was hardened to the extent that it can't be tapped (just what happened with the previous gunsmith). They've contacted Benelli and, of course, haven't heard back from them (been about a week). This process has been too long already. Apparently they were waiting for some piece of equipment for drilling and tapping and, unfortunately, Robs' Mom passed, so things have been kind of backed up there...I'm hoping to get it back by mid Aug, but I don't know...From what I hear, Benelli isn't known for their timeliness...Had I known all of this, I think I would have just left well enough alone...
WOW sixbird? I would have never guessed that would be the case about not being able to drill into the barrel with regular tools. Not that I will be attempting to have that done it's good to know! I know the "CRIO" process has something to do with super cold temperature, but sounds to me like what happens when you temper metals too. The metal ends up stronger, but it's almost impossible to alter it like drilling and tapping. Glass does the same thing when it's tempered.
I finally went to the range at my hunt club today and sent some lead down range! It turns out the Warne 2pc. base (rear/steel) is just the ticket IMO on the Benelli SBE II and the FF III. I don't know if my sight is representative of most out there, but after I adjusted the elevation (dot) "all the way" up I seemed to gain more adjustment to move the dot lower and even though it's not at the midrange of the elevation there's room to move the dot lower if I wanted. While I'm far from patterning the gun yet it felt good to cycle some rounds through it and see that the FF III is going to be a great addition to my dedicated turkey gun!
Good luck with your setup and I hope everything turns out well for you!
p.s. prayers out to Mr. Roberts on his mother's passing.
Thanks Limbhanger...Gun is still at Roberts. Rob assures me that they'll be able to do something with it. He doesn't know what yet but seems determined that he'll be able to something...Frustrating part is, when I first got the gun, I sent it to a local gunsmith and, in anticipation of the drilling and tapping going as promised, I bought a leupold scope to mount on it. Was never able to mount it...Now, in anticipation of the drilling and tapping being successful, I bought a Fastfire III. Just hoping that Roberts will come through but, to be honest, I'm kind of leaning toward it being unfeasible...That'll be $400+ in optical equipment that is useless on this gun if it goes that way...My own fault I guess but I saw a deal on FF and thought I should get it while it was available...
Hopefully everything will resolve...I have to say, it is frustrating...
Glad yours turned out well...That is some encouragement in the event that mine is able to be worked...
Rob says he's never had this happen with a Benelli before so it's apparently not typical...Guess I'm just "lucky..."
He did explain the process. He says they take the barrel up in one degree increments to 200 and some degrees, then take it down one degree at a time to -300 degrees. It makes the barrels shoot to the same point of impact even when they're red hot...I don't know that that's a major advantage in a turkey gun...I know it's been a pain in my a _ _!
Talked to Rob today. He contacted Benelli and they say their early SBE II's were crio'ed really hard and can't be tapped so he's working on a plan "B"...Although this has been a somewhat frustrating process, Rob has been going out of his way to resolve a problem that's not of his making...I like the guy!!!
Dang!! That's amazing!
It sounds Like Rob has found himself a challenge and is going to get the job done right no matter what. I've already got one of his final strut chokes and I wouldn't be surprised if my barrel makes it there for some work before the start of next Spring Gobbler.
I hope you will keep us posted and good luck with it :icon_thumright:
wow thats crazy. Rob has my SBE2 currently to port, lengthen the forcing cone and dip it. Great guy and i will prob end up with a choke of theirs as well come spring if i can afford it :)
Don't worry about the forcing cone even if it's one of the original SBE II's...The forcing cones don't seem to be a problem. Same with porting cause that's done by electroporting machine. It's just the tapping that seems to be problematic. You should be fine with that stuff...
So...wondering if I could ask a favor of those guys who have the Burris 336 mount and those who have the Warne mount?
Wondering if you could measure from the top of your receiver to the bottom of your FF III (that is the bottom of the actual body of the sight, not the bottom of the picatinny attachment)?
What I'm trying to determine is which mounting system puts the FastFire closer to the receiver...
If you guys could do that, I think it would clear up that question for a lot of us.
I've asked quite a few people and, although I think they're trying their best to give me an accurate answer, nobody seems to be able to say definitively "this mounting system is "X" above the receiver and that system is "X" above the receiver.
Can you guys help a brother out?
sixbird, I have decided on the Warne (rear) base of the 2pc. steel base set. I have my FF III sitting in a picatinny protector mount and I measure 7/16" from the top of the barrel to the bottom of the FF III sight body. I had to order and install the "raised" cheek pad to feel comfortable with the setup. I just couldn't believe that cheeck pad piece was $84, but I should have expected it since there barrels are out of sight also!!
Thanks Limbhanger...That's great info.! How does the raised cheek piece install? Does it clip on or do you have to remove what's already there?
O.k., that piece of the puzzle is solved...Now, does anybody have a burris 336 base and could you give measurement from top of receiver to bottom of FF body?
Ahhh...Just dawned on me, Limbhanger, picatinny protector...How thick is that? I likely won't be using one of them...
sixbird, the cheek pad goes in from the back of the stock. You have to remove stock to get a piece of webbing off. Then you can snap out the old cheek pad and put the new one in. It was pretty simple.
On the picatinny protector mount thickness. It looks to be 1/8"-3/16". Maybe just a bit thicker than the picatinny mount you would need to use anyway to mount the FF III to the Warne base.
Thanks Limbhanger...I'm guessing you used the mid height cheek piece(as opposed to the high one)?
Quote from: sixbird on July 27, 2013, 12:52:36 PM
Thanks Limbhanger...I'm guessing you used the mid height cheek piece(as opposed to the high one)?
Yes, it was the middle one of the three sizes and they Benelli lists it as the "raised" pad. I actually had to wait over a month to order it. They listed them as "out of stock", so I clicked on the box that said they would notify me when in stock and about a month later they sent me an email saying they were in. It looked like they don't keep them in stock very often. I ordered one as soon as they sent me an email and they only showed two in stock then.
Thanks man...I saw a site that listed them but I should resolve the drilling and tapping before I go further into this...
Anybody with the 336 base? Could you measure?
Quote from: sixbird on July 28, 2013, 06:53:06 PM
Anybody with the 336 base? Could you measure?
1/8 inch
Perfect! Thanks Raps.! Is that measured from the front same as pic. that Limbhanger posted?
Quote from: sixbird on July 30, 2013, 07:36:00 PM
Perfect! Thanks Raps.! Is that measured from the front same as pic. that Limbhanger posted?
Yes, measured in the front. This is the distance between the bottom of the FF3 and the top of the receiver when mounted with the 336.
Beautiful Raps. That gives me all the info. I need...Thanks again!
O.k....So, SBE II back at Roberts and after almost three and a half months, looks like everything is resolved and it will be on it's way to me in the next few days...Although it's taken W-A-A-A-Y too long, I have to give the Roberts crew props on this one. They went much farther than I would have hoped or expected. They acted as intermediary between me and Benelli and facilitated a new receiver on the barrel that I had. The new receiver is drilled and tapped and camoed in same pattern as original.They refused an offer of a token payment for their trouble, saying that that's how they do business and their customer service and reputation are why they do what they do. I'd recommend them without reservation.
As for Benelli,well, let me preface this by saying that I'm grateful to them for replacing the receiver. My view is, they weren't obligated to do that. They sold me the gun without any intention of mounting optics, so what they did was generous...
That being said, the amount of time it took to accomplish the unscrewing of one receiver and screwing on of another one and recamoing the assembly was, well, I'll be kind...lengthy...
The assembly was at the outfit that Benelli uses to dip the new camo for about one month. If not for Rob cajoling them, I don't know how long it would have been...
So, Benelli, one thumbs up for accommodating me...One thumbs down for timeliness...
In retrospect, all is well that ends well...Thanks Rob and thanks Benelli...
Now on to sighting in and checking patterns!
O.k....Got the Benelli back from Roberts Gun Works and they did an excellent job. Trigger is smooth, forcing cone looks good and the camo, although it isn't the exact pattern (don't make that pattern any more apparently), I'd have to tell you that it's different...All in all, props for Roberts!